Learning for the 21st Century

This article may be read from here:

http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/PIP%20Bloggers%20Report%20July%2019%202006.pdf

The appeal in this article is the growing concerns among students from Kindergarten to the 12th grade that they are not receiving the proper basic learning skills and knowledge required and expected from them in a 21 Century society and workplace.
The article tries to emphasize on the SIX Elements of a 21st Century Education that includes:
1. Emphasis on core subjects
2. Emphasis on learning skills
3. Use of 21st Century tools to develop learning skills
4. Teach and learn in a 21st Century context
5. Teach and learn 21st Century content
6. Use 21st Century assessments that measure 21 Century skills.

From this article, the element that spoke most strongly to me was teaching and learning in a 21st Century context; because I feel that the easiest way to learn is to understand how the material connects to the individual’s life.
From my perspective it’s hard for students to understand complex, ambiguous ideas and thoughts without any real substantial connection or relevance.
Students need to know and understand how and what they are learning are going to impact upon their lives and what survival skills they can take from the learning the material will affect their lives.

Without real connections, the material doesn’t remain impactful to the student.